Brighton & Hove Albion sensation Evan Ferguson could be the latest emerging talent to leave the south coast outfit for a bigger club in the Premier League.
Ferguson joined Brighton from Irish club Bohemians in 2021 after making his senior debut for the club as a 14-year-old during a pre-season game against Chelsea in 2019.
He made his Brighton debut in the 2-1 FA Cup victory over West Bromwich Albion in January 2022 before becoming the club’s youngest-ever Premier League player when he made his English top-flight debut in February.
From the scrawny youngster who debuted against West Brom, the Republic of Ireland striker has transformed into one of the most captivating prospects in the Premier League.
The Irishman enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in the 2022/23 campaign, showcasing his talent with six goals and two assists in 19 league appearances.
He has been a different animal this term, matching his tally from last season in just 12 games, furthering his claim as one of the most talented young strikers in the Premier League.
Following his stellar performances for Brighton, Ferguson has attracted considerable interest from the best clubs in the division, including Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.
Recognising the growing interest in their prodigy, Brighton acted swiftly to secure his future by committing him to a new long-term contract until the summer of 2029.
The new deal effectively strengthens the club’s negotiating position as they await an inevitable transfer proposal from several interested parties in the Premier League.
However, as is always the case with Brighton, Ferguson’s next destination is likely to come down to which club wins a potential bidding war, with the Seagulls prepared to demand an eyewatering £150 million for the Irish star.
Stay at Brighton or leave next summer?
Ferguson has been in lethal form for Brighton this season, starting eight of his side’s 12 Premier League fixtures.
He scored his first career hat-trick during an emphatic 3-1 victory over Newcastle United in September, becoming just the fourth 18-year-old in Premier League history to do so.
His 11 goals this year drew him level with former Man United and Everton star Wayne Rooney for the most Premier League goals scored by a teenager in a single calendar year.
Ferguson stands out for his clever movement, and his profile transcends his exceptional goalscoring ability. His strength and agility supplement his incredible link-up play, making him nearly unstoppable.
Despite his goalscoring prowess, the youngster is still a few years off competing for the Premier League Golden Boot.
Manchester City’s Erling Braut Haaland is leading the goalscoring charts this season and is a big favourite with online bookmakers to end the campaign on top of the pile.
However, Ferguson is likely to attract plenty of each-way interest from UK and Irish bettors, with the top betting sites in Ireland rating him at odds of 67.00 to be the top scorer.
With several bookies offering one-fifth the odds to finish in the first three, savvy punters may well view Ferguson as a solid wager in this market.
Although Brighton are unlikely to sanction Ferguson’s departure next summer, the club’s resolve may be severely tested. Here are three potential destinations for the Irish striker.
Chelsea
Chelsea desperately need a prolific centre-forward and are one of several big-name clubs linked with a move for Ferguson.
Considering they’ve done business with Brighton more times than any other club in the division, it’s not beyond the realms of possibility to assume they could establish contact again.
The Blues poured a British record £115m into Brighton’s coffers last summer when they snapped up Moises Caicedo, but a deal for Ferguson would cost even more.
Arsenal
With several fans and pundits alike questioning the calibre of strikers currently in Mikel Arteta’s striker, Arsenal have also been linked with a centre-forward signing next summer.
Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah have led the line over the past two seasons, but their numbers have failed to convince anyone that they have what it takes to fire Arsenal to Premier League glory.
Ferguson could be the answer to Arsenal’s striker woes, considering he has netted as many goals as both Jesus and Nketiah combined this season. His price tag could be the stumbling block.
Tottenham Hotspur
Since sanctioning the departure of Harry Kane to Bayern Munich last summer, Heung-min Son has shouldered the goalscoring burden for Tottenham Hotspur.
However, there remains a niggly feeling they will struggle without the presence of an out-and-out striker despite their strong start to the season.
Son has proven to be a consistent goalscoring outlet, delivering eight goals in 13 Premier League games. However, Ferguson’s potential arrival would allow him to return to his favoured left-wing role.